Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) in Bothell, WA

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Near You!

Dry mouth, or xerostomia in Bothell, occurs when the salivary glands don't produce enough saliva. This can lead to a dry, sticky, or uncomfortable feeling in the mouth. While it's more common in older adults, age isn't the direct cause. Instead, factors like medication use, medical treatments, and lifestyle habits contribute to the condition.

Occasional dry mouth, such as during stress or anxiety—is usually harmless and temporary. However, chronic dry mouth can signal underlying health problems and significantly affect oral and
overall health.

Common Causes of Dry Mouth

There are many potential causes of dry mouth, including:

Medications

Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs

Dehydration

Often due to inadequate fluid intake

Mouth breathing

Especially common during sleep

Smoking and alcohol use

Irritate and dry out oral tissues

Stress and anxiety

Can temporarily reduce saliva production

Radiation therapy

Especially for head and neck cancers

Autoimmune diseases

Like Sjögren's syndrome

Nerve damage or drug use

May impair salivary gland function

As people age, their tolerance to side effects from medications often decreases, making them more vulnerable to dry mouth even when taking common drugs.

Health Risks of Chronic Dry Mouth

If left untreated, chronic dry mouth can lead to serious dental and health complications, including:

Mouth sores and cracked lips

Increased plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease

Bad breath

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking

Nutritional issues from trouble eating and digesting food

Over time, a persistently dry mouth can lead to tooth loss, making early intervention necessary.

Managing and Treating Dry Mouth

Most cases of dry mouth case near you can be managed with simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter solutions:

Stay hydrated

Sip water throughout the day

Chew sugar-free gum

Stimulates natural saliva production

Avoid tobacco and alcohol

Both dry out oral tissues and worsen symptoms

Limit salt, sugar, and caffeine

These can dehydrate your body

Use saliva substitutes

Available at most pharmacies

Avoid sucking on hard candies or ice

These may harm your teeth

If your dry mouth persists despite these efforts, consult your dentist or physician. You may need targeted treatment based on an underlying condition or a review of your medications.

When to See a Professional

Dry mouth is often manageable, but persistent symptoms should not be ignored. If home remedies aren't effective, a dental or medical professional can help identify the root cause and provide a tailored treatment plan to protect your oral and overall health.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule Your Dry Mouth Consultation Today!

Your mouth needs moisture to stay healthy. Contact our Bothell dental team to schedule an exam if you're concerned about dry mouth. We’ll help you find the cause—and the solution.